Reply #18: I do not believe we are ruined, Pri

[The Traveler]

We are bickering while we struggle with an issue that exposes multiple facets, many of which pack a powerful emotional charge.

This kind of thing is not easy to deal with. On the one hand, Warren's participation in the inauguration possibly opens a door by which Obama can exert leadership and gain the ear of millions of evangelical Christians. In that manner, it is possible we may be able to if not win them to our side of the issue, or at least dilute the passion of their opposition. On the other hand, I really don't know how my GLBT friends cannot but be outraged, insulted, and deeply hurt by this choice.

Many of those whose comments have, shall we say, been less than supportive of the GLBT community on this Warren thing come not from homophobia but from other fears. If we don't make some progress on a great many issues NOW, under an Obama administration, then it is unlikely that we ever will. While human rights issues, of which GLBT rights are a proper subset, are of vital importance, they are not the only vitally important issues at our collective throats right now. Thus comments that appear to be critical of Obama will elicit defensive reactions from some.

And while I do not approve (frankly, I think Obama screwed up), I don't want to see over reaction. We cannot fail, Pri. We have to make the next 4 to 8 years work. We all need to recall, GLBT folk and straight folk, that we are bound together in too many ways in common thought and purpose to give up on each other now. We will think and feel our way through moments like this because we must. But straight people must realize: we cannot continue to draw on the support, ideas, and energy of our GLBT friends if we run away from every fight. At some point, we have to draw a hard line in support of their rights and insist on the establishment of justice. And if that time is not now, then when shall we schedule it? Perhaps after the whales have been saved?

Trav